Enterprising Students Get the Thumbs Up from Ruth Badger

The atmosphere was tense around Edge Hill University as students anxiously awaited the words 'You're Hired' from the infamous Ruth Badger.

Students from six schools across the region came to the University for the Young Enterprise Northwest Final. They were pitching their ideas to influential business leaders like Ruth Badger, Jim Johnston, Northwest Development Agency and Tony Gill, Chairman of Young Enterprise Northwest.

Ruth Badger, star of the 2006 'Apprentice' and presenter of her own TV programme said: "I have been very impressed by all the students' work that I've seen today, there are some definite business leaders of the future here. I only became a patron for the organisation recently and I have been very impressed with the work that they do as well as the opportunities that they open up. I only wish I had some of these chances when I was younger.

"If I was to offer some business ideas to anyone, it would be to be careful for what you wish for, because you may well get it. Secondly, expect nothing and you won?t be disappointed. That may sound pessimistic but it's not, it just means that you're always prepared. And finally, under promise and over-deliver everything."

Ray Dwerryhouse, Head of Business, Information and Communication Technology in the Faculty of Education, said: "This was a fantastic day and it was a great opportunity for teachers and prospective students to see the excellent facilities that we have at Edge Hill University.

"In September 2005, the government announced funding worth £60 million to provides all pupils at Key Stage 4, with the equivalent of five days enterprise experience. This experience is intended to develop creativity, risk management, risk taking, and financial and business understanding. Also, there are currently a number of pilot programmes, which are looking to extend this enterprise entitlement to 13 and 14-year-olds. So the work of Young Enterprise do cannot be underestimated."

The eventual North West winners were students from Netherall School, in Maryport, Cumbria. Their Young Enterprise Company, Making Waves, presented their business proposal, which involved selling fridge magnets, key rings and clocks. They judges described the students' idea as not only selling their products, but also as a way of developing Maryport as a destination for tourists.

Netherall School will join finalists from across the country at a national event in London and now hopes are high that they could reach the European final in Berlin.

Students from Altrincham Boys Grammar School, Longridge High School in Lancashire, Ribblesdale High School from East Lancashire, The Queens School in Cheshire and Newton-le-Willows High School, Merseyside, were all congratulated for their hard work at the event.